Mohammedan Sporting and Odisha FC in Must-Win Matches at Durand Cup

In the ongoing 132nd Durand Cup, Kolkata’s well-known team Mohammedan Sporting and Odisha FC are set to participate in crucial matches that could determine their fate. After experiencing losses in their initial group games, both teams are now facing must-win situations as the second week of the tournament commences.

Mohammedan Sporting’s encounter with the Indian Navy Football Team (INFT) will kick off this pivotal week. The match will take place at Kolkata’s Kishore Bharati Krirangan (KBK) on Friday. The local side, coached by former India international and club player Mehrajuddin Wadoo, aims to secure their first victory in the tournament. Following a loss to Mumbai City FC in their first game, the team gained momentum with a win in the Kolkata Premier League. They now look to reestablish their Durand Cup campaign. On the opposing side, the INFT will step onto the 132nd Durand Cup stage for the first time. The outcome may hinge on players like Beneston Barretto, Alexis Gomez, Prince Opoku, Dalraj Singh, P.M. Britto, and Shreyas V.G., who can influence the game’s direction.

In another challenging matchup, I-League team Rajasthan United FC (RUFC) faces a youthful Odisha FC (OFC) side. RUFC overcame obstacles like weather conditions and enthusiastic opponents to secure three points in their first group game. These points will prove valuable in their upcoming clash against OFC, who faced defeat against the Indian Army team due to a Liton Shil strike. Ahead of this must-win match, OFC coach Amit Rana emphasizes their commitment to improvement and showcasing their potential. Young talents like Niraj Kumar, Rakesh Oram, and Raisen Tudu display promise for OFC.

Rajasthan United FC, led by captain Hardik Bhatt, radiates confidence after a successful start to the season. Their win and clean sheet in the opening game set a positive tone. Bhatt acknowledges Odisha’s capabilities and anticipates a competitive match. Coach Pushpendra Kundu aims to boost the performance of foreign striker Richardson Denzell before RUFC’s crucial game against the Indian Army.

As the Durand Cup continues, the matches involving Mohammedan Sporting, Odisha FC, and other teams promise excitement and intense competition on the football field.